Legal Options

If you have been hit or threatened, the laws of Connecticut can give you special protection and services. Sometimes these laws are called domestic violence laws or family violence laws. These laws and services can help you even if you and the person who hurt you are going to stay together. Try to get as much information as you can about all your options before you make decisions about your relationship. The law and the legal system include some things that can help protect you.

It is important to know that the law is not the only source of help.

You can do the following to get some relief through the criminal and civil justice systems:

•   Call the police

•   Ask the court for an order of protection, which will mandate the person who abused you to stop. The order can also remove the abuser from the home for safety reasons. 

•   Ask the court to make orders that will help you protect your children.

•   Talking to a Family Violence Victim Advocate (FVVA) for information about the law, the court, and other options you may have. FVVA’s are staff members of local domestic violence programs who work at the court and are available to help you.

If you think your partner will not obey the law or any order of protection put in place, you may want to call your local domestic violence agency to identify other ways to keep you safe.

For further information about legal options, please refer to the Guide to Connecticut's Family Violence Laws.